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A federal 
class action lawsuit claims that 2005 to 2011 Toyota Scion xB and tC models are plagued with a design defect that causes their rear hatch door handles and panels to break off during normal use. Toyota has allegedly known about the Scion’s defective door handle since 2007, but has failed to disclose it to customers and refuses to recall the vehicles to repair the defect, the class action lawsuit says.
According to the Toyota Scion class action lawsuit, “Toyota knew or should have known that the Class Vehicles are defective, not fit for their intended purpose and unsafe when they are driven within their normal and/or expected range of operation. Nevertheless, Toyota has actively concealed and failed to disclose the Defect to Plaintiffs and the Class Members, both prior to and after the time of purchase.”
The Scion class action lawsuit says that when the defective door handles break, “consumers have been, and will continue to be, forced to deal with an unsafe and illegal situation. First, when the Defective Door Handle breaks, consumers are regularly unable to open their back door, either from the outside or the inside… In addition, the holes left in the rear hatch when the handle breaks allow exhaust fumes to enter into the Vehicle, further creating a safety hazard.”
The Scion class action lawsuit goes on to say that Toyota’s refusal to remedy the problem has forced many consumers to tape or glue the defective Scion door handles bank on their vehicles or purchase expensive replacement parts.
“Indeed, driving around any metropolitan area, it is not uncommon to see numerous [Scion xB and tC models] with the door opening mechanism missing or fastened to the Vehicles via a homemade remedy. Moreover, as a result of Toyota’s abject failure to manufacture and sell a Vehicle that could withstand the routine and normal opening and closing of the rear hatch without breaking, and is concomitant refusal to provide relief to its customers, the Defect has spawned a cottage industry, with third-parties manufacturing parts to try to fill Toyota’s void,” the class action lawsuit says.
The Toyota Scion defective door handle class action lawsuit is brought on behalf of all current and former owners and lessees of a model year 2005-2011 Toyota Scion tC or xB models purchased or leased in the United States. It is seeking damages, interest, restitution and more.
A copy of the Toyota Scion tC and xB Defective Door Handle Class Action Lawsuit can be read here.
The case is Salvatore Amata, et al., v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and Toyota Motor Corporation, Case No. EDCV12-168-VAP (SPx), U.S. District Court, Central District of California
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101 thoughts onToyota Scion Defective Door Handle Class Action Lawsuit
The hatch handle on my ’05 xB just broke. I found a replacement part for $150, but I would be very intested in hearing an update about this lawsuit.
I’m glad I’m not the only one! Last night, the handle on my hatch broke it was made out of cheap plastic…worst night of my life.
This just happened to me also with my ’06 tC…. super pissed. I always thought if felt a little loose or poorly attached, and then one day POP! Absolutely ridiculous.
I am fighting with my dealership now to fix this issue because ever since mine came off in my hand at the grocery store last month I have seen at least 5 others (2 i have pictures of). I was told initially it would be under the warranty only to find out they want me to pay $382 to fix it!!! I told them no because this was obviously a defect. I want to know what I can do to be part of this.
Mine just broke as well. They want to charge me 250$ to replace the part the cost 90$. I don’t find this amusing and would LOVE to be a part of this lawsuit as well.
My handle just broke off because of poor labor. How can i become part of this lawsuit Im driving aroud with duck tape on my car. It doesnt look good.
i replaced mine but i believe the reason it breaks is because one or both of the struts that lift the hatch are defective therefore putting more pressure on the hatch handle when opening and lifting by hand
The handle on my Scion tC has come off and will cost $300 to replace, not to mention the low oil constantly! This car was marketed and geared to young people.I am a young college student with a heavy school work load (premed) I am emotionally drained worried about my cars oil and inability to access my trunk. I have recieved a ticket because my trunk handle was broken resulting in the plate light not working either. Anything I can do to help in this lawsuit and hopefully see justice I will. Call me at 617-504-2542…I guess its easier to screw over a young person…never expected this quality from Toyota or disregard to young people.
This is an obvious defect that should be immediately recalled and repaired at no charge for all owners. My daughters broke and we are unable to open the trunk.
My 7 year old son broke the handle on our 2005 xb the first time and it barely made it in to be fixed under warranty. After they fixed it, I could see it would break again, immediately and called them on it. They admitted that the parts weren’t going to hold and they’d like to have used another part that wasn’t available, so even though the warranty had just passed, they’d fix it the second time. It held for the past 5 years, but we’ve been very ginger with it. Today, My son, now 12, just went to open it again, and it broke in half, completely. Back then I asked if anyone had problems with the handles, and Toyota said, only fleets had the problem. But, since then, we’ve all seen how tape holds up too many handles on the XB. Just admit it already, Toyota. HEWA!